A Mouse in the House

You won't need to set a trap for this mouse in your house. Welcome to Mumsey's Mouse House, a delightful Etsy shop filled with adorable little friends looking for a home. Each mouse is uniquely handcrafted and would be the perfect gift for any avid mouse collector. The mice are approximately 4 inches tall and the tiny accessories they hold add enormous charm, bringing their characters to life. Wherever did that little violin come from?

This shop was created from an artist’s passion. As mice began to fill the house and when friends began asking for them, it was time to set up a mouse adoption agency. Each one is crafted with love and attention to detail, and their little personalities seem to magically spring forth during the creation process. How charming a small mouse would be as a Christmas decoration, which reminds me of reading Santa Mouse during the holiday.

The mouse workshop is in the United States and mice are shipped internationally. Each MumseyMouse comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes a picture of your special little visitor. The mouse’s name on the certificate can be whatever you like, further personalizing your selection. If you have a particular mouse in mind, please contact Mumsey for a custom order. These are not children's toys, and are at their best when proudly displayed.

I've Got No Strings...

‘I've got no strings to hold me down,’ might very well be what one of the marionettes from this amazing Etsy shop, AMCreatures, will sing one day. Alexander Mergold definitely works magic with polymer clay, and his lifelike creations are only missing the breath of life. Delight in the mechanical works as a hungry frog tries in vain to catch a meal, or enjoy the laughter as you bring a hand puppet to life. Whether you are looking for a marionette, tabletop puppet, or highly collectible doll, each of his unique artworks is an exceptional masterpiece to be treasured.

A number of incredible collectible dolls are based on operas. This artist takes the time to explain the opera his remarkable sculptures are based on. I haven’t understood the few operas I have attempted, but after reading Alexander’s description of ‘The Tales of Hoffmann,’ I ordered the video from our library and am looking forward to viewing it. The story line loosely reminds me of an old Star Trek episode.

If you are interested in supplies to craft your own sculptures, Alexander has a popular selection of tools that you may find very helpful. If only the skills to wield them were as easy to come by. He works in Toronto and ships internationally. Alexander’s Etsy shop holds a small sampling of what’s in store when you visit his website. You may jump with fright at the ‘Jack’ in the box, and who doesn't recognize the antics of Mr. Bean.

Masquerade Ball

The intricately cut leather work of masks and headbands can be found at a breathtaking Artfire shop, Tom Banwell Designs. If you want to make an impression at a masquerade ball, your unique designer leather mask will be found here. Bugs, Beatles, butterflies and bunnies are all found in an array of colors. You will enjoy browsing through this shop as each page presents with unexpected delights. Look at the span of the horns on that goat helmet!

A serious steampunk fan will discover a range of unparalleled leather helmets and masks guaranteed to be the hit at your next steampunk event. Tom also has a line of distinctive steampunk top hats. The Victorian cut work on the riding hat is amazing. Be sure to get a look at the plague doctor’s mask, my daughter’s favorite. Long ago, it was thought that bad smells would make one sick. Masks like this would be worn with potpourri in the beak protecting the wearer from plague.

This husband and wife team tools in California, ships internationally, and has an Etsy shop. More steampunk items can be found on their Facebook fan page. If you have a special request, Tom enjoys the challenge of a custom order. I like the simple elegance of the Celtic knot headband. This was such an interesting and fun shop to write up!

Wrap It Up

Jewelry has to be one of the hardest markets to sell in, and the creative innovation that sets these artisans apart is even more important to their success. Flightfancy is a zibbet shop that is unquestionably forging their path in the jewelry world. I find the unmistakable Victorian influences very appealing, but there is also a playful side with contemporary designs that are sure to be fashionable for many years to come.

Coming from a crafting family, Theresa had the benefit of growing up surrounded by creative influences. Envisioning her own unique designs and then wrapping wire to explore her visions has led to necklaces guaranteed to be admired. Colors and designs fill this incredible shop; each piece is a true one-of-a-kind art treasure. Visit her ‘Wrapped in Black’ collection for some wonderful color contrasts.

Theresa crafts her gorgeous adornments in Washington, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She is also willing to create a custom piece just for you.

Totem Painting

I was familiar with the storytelling and artistic expression of totem poles, but I had never heard of totem painting before I ran across this amazing artwork. The extraordinary visual delights of Barb Kowalik can be found at BaDKowalik, a zibbet shop(closed). Whether you are looking for an original acrylic painting or a print, you will be pleasantly surprised with the selection of unique totem artwork available. Her work is also available on T-shirts and high top shoes!

On Saturday, she and her husband can be found at their local farmers market offering her artworks as well as canned goodies. I just can't imagine strawberry jalapeno barbecue sauce, but it must be a memorable taste combination. Barb also delights in jewelry creation, and I was very impressed with the Dutch spiral weaving found in her Green Goddess Bracelet.

Barb keeps a busy schedule in Canada, ships internationally, and can also be found on Artfire(closed). Be sure to stop by her website(closed) and go through the jewelry gallery where I found a spectacular blue butterfly. If you see something you like, but would like it to reflect your own personal flair, please contact Barb for a custom order.